| abstract |
Methods and kits for performing minimally invasive medical procedures are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes injecting an enzyme that is less immunogenic than chymopapain into an interior portion of an intervertebral disc. The enzyme can be mixed with a buffer prior to, during or after the injecting. The enzyme is configured to dissolve tissue within the interior portion of the intervertebral disc. Tissue that is dissolved by the enzyme can be removed from the interior portion of the intervertebral disc after the injecting. In some embodiments, the enzyme is a serine protease having an ability to sensitize that is less than chymopapain's ability to sensitize. |